Bengaluru, April 10 Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday expressed confidence that the Congress party will win the bypolls to two Assembly constituencies, asserting that there should be no doubt about the party’s victory.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said the party is certain of winning both segments despite reports of relatively low voter turnout in Davanagere South and Bagalkot. He noted that turnout patterns differ between general elections and bypolls and said the outcome would favour Congress.
It can be noted that the voting process for the bypoll to two Assembly segments in Karnataka on Thursday ended peacefully, with polling at stations in the Bagalkot and Davanagere South crossing 68 per cent.
According to official data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the voter turnout in Bagalkot stood at 68.65 per cent, while Davanagere South recorded 68.43 per cent at the end of polling.
In Davanagere, Congress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun, while the BJP has nominated Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa. Afsar Kodlipet is contesting as the Social Democratic Party of India candidate.
In Bagalkot, Umesh Meti is contesting from Congress against the BJP's Veranna Charantimath.
Parameshwara further said that on the issue of internal reservation, the matter would be decided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He stated that the issue could be discussed either in a regular cabinet meeting or a special cabinet session. He added that an appeal would be made to the Chief Minister to ensure that no community faces injustice before taking a final decision.
Responding to rumours about so-called “zombie drugs”, the Home Minister dismissed such claims as baseless. He said preliminary information indicated that the individual in question was a lorry driver who had come from northern states such as Haryana or Punjab for work. The person had reportedly consumed medication for an illness along with alcohol, which led to unusual behaviour.
Parameshwara clarified that no criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident. He added that the Bengaluru Police Commissioner had briefed him on the matter and confirmed that there was no evidence of any “zombie drug” usage. He also said that the individual who circulated the claims on social media has been questioned and has admitted to posting the information deliberately.
On the reported LPG gas shortage, the Home Minister said the concerned department is addressing the issue and that the state government has written to the Centre regarding supply allocations. He expressed hope that the situation would improve soon, noting that developments such as a possible ceasefire and the movement of ships through the Gulf region could help restore supplies to India and ease the shortage.
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